This is a lead in to Tagasaste and its use as we have experienced it over almost three decades:-
Todays farming methods have been criticized and yet no better system has as yet been embraced. The whole business of agriculture has been one of conservatism to some extent, yet change is quite rapid in small sections of the whole industry. Money and the amount that can be generated from an enterprise is the driving force and that is why proven practices no matter how damaging they might be to the health of the environment, producer or consumer in the long or short term, possible income improvement holds farmers to their current management. This appears certain.
So when wondering where Tagasaste comes into this equation and why it isn't more universally adopted, could be because it is yet largely unproven except in small paradigm operations, that are viewed as hobby rather than research farms. Where the opposite is true however, is in Western Australia. Elsewhere most farmers have not yet been stretched financially far enough or have land that is "too good" to give the plant a try. It is labour intensive, or requires expensive specialist equipment to harvest and even possibly store, and it requires a different outlook and management. Also innovation and imagination to be effective. Depending what is done or required there could be an increased cost and time factor that also interferes with espousal of Tagasaste in any farming enterprise.
Land degradation and loss of fertility that accompanies the current farming trends in vogue in Australia is becoming extremely worrying. Most production increases are created by the use of greater inputs into any farming operation and running the farm harder, creating a cycle of outside dependency and erosion of long term viability of the land which is not desirable in the long term. It seems that farmers, landholders and graziers are willing to chase their tails and keep bringing in outside imports so that their farming operations prosper. Making more money to spend on fertilizer and better grass varieties, or stock that will produce more of what they want, but are less robust in constitution when the hard times invariably come. There is also the need for quick fixes as the people who produce the commodities attempt to keep up with the volatile market that exists in todays world.................
In one instance an orchardist produced $15,000 of apples per year on his small property, and yet he spent $5,000 on spray. It seemed to be madness and yet it was required, because had he not sprayed, he might have only realized an income of $12,000 by the downgrading of some of his apples, which would have suited him. But he was in the middle of an orchard area and if he didn't spray, then his neighbours blamed him any pests that were found on their apples. He was in a cleft stick. But this demonstrates the problems associated with mono-cultures and the chemical treadmill they support.
Management practice must change considerably, and this can only be brought about if the mindset of the landholder and producer alter first. The consumer needs reeducating also, and we have to attempt to live in the cycle of nature, but this is not the way of the world in which we live today. People preferring to create nature to serve them in every possible way so that they will be able to have their cake and eat it too.
Tagasaste comes into the field of agriculture with a low profile, and it certainly isn't the be all to end all; that one of out of the box solution that everyone hopes will turn up to make life certain. Tagasaste is a part of any enterprise and it depends on the enterprise and the manager of same. It needs to be dovetailed into a farm to serve where it will do so best. It's another tool in a management system that will not only assist in increasing production, but will also assist in environmental recovery. The tree or shrub, however it might be categorized, is a useful and grateful resident of any farming enterprise but in particular a grazing enterprise that requires protection from the elements, increased soil fertility and feed as supplement or additive for animals during the periods where traditionally there is little feed in general, or green feed in particular, to spare.
The Landcare movement here in Australia hasn't yet discovered the importance of the plant, and this demonstrates the limitations that this cadre has placed upon itself. By nature, Tagasaste is very versatile pioneer plant and therefore, it has been pronounced; has the potential to become a weed. But wherever animals, either native or domesticated stock have discovered and access to it, there is no danger of massive occupation. Which is a shame, because many farmers would rejoice to be forced to run 40 breeding ewes an acre to keep the plant under control. The plant is always at risk where grazing or browsing animals have unrestricted admission to it, and though it has a efficient system of reproduction, it is its palatability at all stages of growth, to all stock, that keeps it from becoming plentiful and a nuisance.
So while there are some very useful plants in the arsenal of those that would create habitats for wildlife especially birds, Tagasaste stands tall with its versatility. Those that would create windbreaks to protect the moisture in the top layer of soil, are also directed to the use of Tagasaste. Those who would enhance the nutritional content, diversity and availability of feed for their stock, should look very closely at Tagasaste. Those who would want to use their tractors less often working the soil, and creating problems by taking the risks this procedure engenders, should find Tagasaste very interesting. For organic farmers, Tagasaste appears to be the plant of choice. There are few plants that are as caring of the soil, or produce as much that will enrich it.
Farming is really gardening on a larger scale and making provision for animals. To create an environment that will allow animals to feel secure and comfortable with sufficient feed to assist in keeping them healthy. In this arena Tagasaste will be as useful as fences, but much more versatile and aesthetic.
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